Despite recent demands by thousands of Papuans for a referendum, the provincial agency for welfare and isolated community reports that dozens of students on Friday attended an event to discuss heroism.

“Up to 200 junior and high school students took part,” event committee head Daryono said Friday in Jayapura, Papua, as quoted by Antara.

Daryono added that the event was aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of understanding heroism, encouraging nationalism and developing a sense of unity as a nation among junior and senior high school students.

The committee had worked with the regional military command (Kodam) to stage the event, he said.

“Our agency officials served as resource people at the event. There were also officials from Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih and its subordinate unit, such as district command 172 Prajawirayakti Jayapura.”
According to the head of the agency, Johanis Safkaur, nationalism had started to fade in Papua.

“In several areas, youths don’t know about national heroes, the flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem and various other things,” Johanis said.

“This event is very important. I hope participants can implement the values of heroism they were taught at the event,” he said.
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 08/05/2011 2:52 PM